Statement on the passing of James Carignan

James Carignan, long-time member and one-time chair of the State Board of Education, died Sunday, Aug. 14, in Brunswick.

Carignan, who was 72, served Bates College as dean for more than three decades. He was also a Bates College graduate.

Commissioner Stephen Bowen issued the following statement upon learning of Carignan’s death:

“I served with Jim on the Citizenship Education Task Force when I was in the Legislature and found him to be deeply committed to the civic mission of schools. That was only one of the many ways in which Jim dedicated his life to improving educational opportunities for all Maine students. Education in Maine has lost a true friend and champion.”